Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are necessary for the growth, repair as well as maintenance of all our vital organs. Amino acids that the body derives from our daily diet are called as ‘essential amino acids’ while ‘non essential amino acids’ refer to those which the body can produce from other sources. Non essential amino acids can either be obtained from essential amino acids or even normal breakdown of proteins. There are 20 amino acids and each one of them has a unique role to play, irrespective of whether it is essential or non essential. Thus, vegetarians are usually recommended to take amino acid supplements, since plants lack one or more essential amino acids.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

L-Arginine - Several functions in our body are carried out by L-Arginine that is actually an amino acid. Its major advantage is to help the body get free of the waste product named ammonia. It also helps in the development of compounds such as L-proline, L-glutamate and creatine in the body. If required, it can also be converted into glycogen or glucose. The blood vessels in our body our relaxed by the compound named nitric oxide which is produced by the help of L-arginine. Another great advantage of L-arginine is the formation of protein in our body. Many other uses of L-arginine is found in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, healing of wounds, reducing high blood pressure and many more.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

L-Isoleucine is one of the nine essential amino acids that is not produced in the body. It can be obtained from animal sources like liver, fish, eggs, chicken, meat and vegetable sources like rye, cashew nuts, almonds, lentils, chickpeas and soy proteins. The metabolism of L-Isoleucine takes place in muscle tissue. It is needed for the formation of hemoglobin and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is also known to increase endurance levels and helps in the recovery of muscles after exercise. It strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and increases the level of growth hormones and insulin to maintain the body’s balance. A deficiency leads to a number of physical and mental disorders with symptoms similar to hypoglycemia.

L-Leucine- Leucine is an essential amino acid that does not synthesize in humans and so must be ingested. It slows the degradation of muscle tissue and is used in the formation of sterols.

L-Valine is an essential alpha amino acid and one of the three essential branched chain amino acids found in the human body. The other two essential BCAAs are leucine and isoleucine. The name is derived from the plant valerian. Valine is also classified as nonpolar and is known by sickle cell disease sufferers as the substitute amino acid for the glutamic acid, whereby the hydrophobic qualities of valine cause the hemoglobin to not fold correctly. Just like the other three BCAAs, the primary source of valine is through ingestion of proteins, where valine is a component; some such sources would be fish, peanuts, poultry, cottage cheese, lentils and sesame seeds. L-Valine is found in large quantities in muscles, whereby in the muscle metabolism it is essential for the restoration and tissue growth.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is perhaps one of the most important mineral, which in form of phosphate as an intercellular anion serves a multitude of functions. Not only are phosphates essential for the utilization of most vitamins belonging to the B complex, but they are vital for energy storage and the overall metabolism. But that is not all, phosphate is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium with phosphorus are required for them and soft tissues as well. But also body fluids require phosphates for excretion of hydrogen ions through the kidneys. Somewhere around one per cent of the body weight should be phosphorus in some form, therefore it is vital to supply your body with sufficient phosphates through milk, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, peas and other sources, including supplements.

Potassium, a mineral that is quite common in our food. Potassium is needed for proper muscle growth, nervous system and brain function and to help balance the PH of our bodies.

Sodium is the element that has the atomic number 11 in the periodic table and is commonly known as the main component in the table salt, together with chloride. Interestingly enough, it is probably the one dietary component which does require limitation rather than supplementation, since that average daily nutritional requirement is around half a gram per day. This most popular food seasoning, salt, is providing the most common source of sodium and chloride in human diets, but is generally overused and may cause health problems, such as high blood pressure, if consumed overly generously. The suggested dose of table salt, or rather the upper limit portion, would be somewhat less than 6 gram per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, referenced by FDA. In the UK this limit is set at four grams per day.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is water soluble vitamin. It is water soluble that leaves the body through urine. It plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues in the body. It also important in the formation of collagen, a protein used by the body to make ligaments, blood vessel, scar tissue, and skin. It helps prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights and prevents free radicals from damaging the cells that may result in premature aging, heart problems and cancer. Vitamin C also shortens the duration of colds and promotes quick recovery because it boosts the immune system. It also helps control blood pressure.